City clinch Barry signing

02 Jun 2009 18:28:14

Manchester City have completed the signing of Gareth Barry from Aston Villa in a £12million deal.
Barry has penned a five-year contract at Eastlands after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.
The England international's future at Villa has been the subject of speculation for some time, with Liverpool failing to sign him last summer in a much-publicised tug-of-war with Villa.
Barry's contract at Villa was due to expire next summer and although Villa offered him a new deal, he has opted to make the move to ambitious City.
The 28-year-old becomes City's first signing of the summer and his arrival is a major boost for City boss Mark Hughes as he looks to build a side capable of breaking into the top four.
Barry was delighted to make the move to City and he believes there is a lot of potential at the club.
"I'm delighted to be joining City. It didn't take much persuasion from Mark Hughes, they are heading in the direction I want to go," Barry told the club's official website.
"There is great potential here, and I'm sure there will be a few more additions to the squad this summer."
PraiseHughes is equally excited at the prospect of working with Barry next season.
"Gareth is widely acknowledged as one of the top midfielders in the Premier League, and that is a recommendation in itself," noted Hughes. "When players of his quality become available then you have to be in the market for them, so we are absolutely delighted that we have been able to conclude this deal.
"The experience required to compete with the best in the Premier League is vital, and with Gareth we get the experience of someone who has played week-in, week-out in the hardest league in the world.
"He plays at a level that has an impact on the game, and we are thrilled that he is joining us."